NBA Draft 2011: 50 Burning Questions Heading into the Draft

It's now the day of the 2011 NBA draft, which means that questions abound about what will happen with the future of the NBA. 

No, I'm not talking about the problems with the league's collective bargaining agreement, but rather the future that this new draft class is ushering in. 

Between Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette and Bismack Biyombo, there is enough uncertainty in this draft to last a lifetime. Add in the other 57 picks of the draft and you've got your hands full. 

That's where I come in. 

With the next 50 slides, I'm going to pose 50 burning questions that all pertain to this draft class, and then answer them as best I can as an added bonus. 

Some questions deal with the draft itself while others have to do with the players' futures, some of which are bright and some of which are rather cloudy. 

Enjoy the questions and answers. Hopefully you'll feel quite informed about the proceedings of June 23rd by the time you finish. 

Kyrie Irving or Derrick WIlliams at No. 1?

Question

Will Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams, or even some other player be drafted at No. 1?

Answer

Even though Cleveland hasn't officially said that the Cavaliers' newest member in 2011 will be Kyrie Irving, all indications point toward his selection. Irving is the best player in this year's class and he fits well with the Cavs needs. 

Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams Success

Question

Will Derrick Williams or Kyrie Irving be the more successful pro?

Answer

Personally, I think that Williams will end up being a bust because of his lack of position. He'll be a good player, just not the All-Star that Irving will wind up being. In just 11 games at Duke, the point guard showed he has every tool that a point guard needs. 

Irving is being compared to Chris Paul and Williams to Michael Beasley. Enough said. 

In the Words of Bill Simmons: KAAAAAAAAAAAAHN!!!!

Question

What in the world is Minnesota general manager David Kahn going to do with the No. 2 pick?

Answer

The fact that David Kahn has complete control over this draft is pretty terrifying. What he and the Minnesota Timberwolves do at No. 2 completely affects everything else.

The Timberwolves could try to shop the No. 2 pick, so stars could change hands immediately. Or Kahn could draft Derrick Williams and either have two of the same player (Williams and Beasley) or shop Beasley. 

Then again, Kahn could draft Enes Kanter at No. 2 or pick a wild card like Bismack Biyombo. 

I really have no idea what's going to happen with this pick. No one does. 

Not even David Kahn has a clue. 

NBA Stars That Could Change Teams

Question

On a day with the potential for a lot of trading to go down, which big-name NBA stars could wind up playing for different teams?

Answer

So far (this really is only a "so far"), Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala and Monta Ellis have all been involved in trade talk. 

I'd guess that at least one changes teams on draft day. If I had to pick one, it would be Josh Smith as Atlanta attempts to move up from its one and only picking slot at No. 48. 

Enes Kanter at No. 3

Question

Will Turkish center Enes Kanter end up going to the Utah Jazz at No. 3?

Answer

When David Stern announces the Jazz's first of two lottery picks, I fully expect not to hear the name of Enes Kanter. Instead, I think that the Jazz will select talented point guard Brandon Knight at No. 3. 

Cleveland Turnaround

Question

With picks No. 1 and No. 4, how quickly can Cleveland turn around the fortunes of its team?

Answer

If the Cavs can either trade up and grab Derrick Williams at No. 2 or sit tight at No. 4 and let Enes Kanter fall to them, they'll have not one, but two potential All-Stars providing an immediate talent infusion to their team. 

With intriguing young pieces like J.J. Hickson already in place, the Cavs may actually have enough talent to return to the playoffs in the near future. 

Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker

Question

Will Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker end up being the second best point guard in the draft class?

Answer

Don't bet against the heart of Kemba Walker. 

If you did in the Big East tournament, you surely regretted the decision. 

If you did in the NCAA tournament, you probably regretted that decision even more. 

If you did both times, shame on you. 

Don't be fooled again. 

First International Player Taken

Question

In a draft class laden with international players, who will be the first taken?

Answer

While Bismack Biyombo or Jonas Valanciunas could potentially be the answer to this question, I think that the first international player taken while be Jan Vesely, an electric small forward from the Czech Republic. 

This will probably happen when the Washington Wizards make their pick at No. 6. 

Most Successful International Player

Question

Regardless of where each one is taken, who will be the most successful?

Answer

The answer to this question is the same as the last one. 

An incredibly explosive player, Jan Vesely is going to produce a ton of highlights, mostly in the form of impressive dunks. He's so competitive and fiery that he may actually need to tone it down a bit at times. 

There will be an adjustment period, but when it's all said and done, Vesely will be on top of the foreign ranks. 

Biyombo's Draft Position

Question

Where will Congolese center Bismack Biyombo be drafted?

Answer

Just a few months ago, no one had really even heard of Bismack Biyombo. Now there is even occasional speculation that he could be taken first overall. 

Despite his meteoric rise up the draft boards, I think teams are going to be a little scared to pull the trigger on draft day. Biyombo will watch with a frown on his face as the green room empties around him, until the New York Knicks put him out of his misery at No. 17. 

Biyombo's Age

Question

Will we ever figure out what Bismack Biyombo's age actually is?

Answer

While he is supposedly just 18 years old, no one actually knows his true age. Most likely, no one ever will. 

The Hype Around Kawhi Leonard

Question

Can Kawhi Leonard ever live up to the hype that will inevitably be generated by where he's taken?

Answer

Kawhi Leonard may actually go as high as No. 5 in this draft, but there's no way he even lives up to being a lottery pick at all. 

Leonard is a good all-around player, but he doesn't stand out in any one area. He's going to have trouble finding a defined role on any team. 

I also don't think that Leonard will ever find a consistent jump shot, a necessary development for him because he can't just rely on his athleticism like he did in the Mountain West. His hands are too big and his form is too bad for that to happen. 

Same Thing for Tristan Thompson

Question

Can Tristan Thompson ever live up to the hype that will inevitably be generated by where he's taken?

Answer

Just like with Kawhi Leonard, Thompson is not going to live up to the hype. 

He's undersized for a power forward and he's going to get pushed around in the paint. While he has some decent moves and can score from short range, Thompson can't do anything outside of the paint. 

Shooting 48 percent from the free-throw line is another telling stat. There simply isn't enough offense here and the defense isn't strong enough to make up for that. 

Better Morris Twin

Question

I don't think we've ever had a pair of twins this talented, so which Morris will be better: Marcus or Markieff?

Answer

Right off the bat, the bigger twin, Markieff, is going to make a bigger impact. With that said, Marcus has the bigger upside and will pass by his twin on the way to an All-Star game in a few years. 

Expect Markieff to have a better rookie season but then take the back seat. 

The Lithuanians

Question

Two Lithuanians are supposed to be great future NBAers, but will Donatas Motiejunas or Jonas Valanciunas be better?

Answer

It may take a while before both make their way to the NBA, but once they do, I think that Motiejunas is going to be the better player. 

The 7'0" power forward has a great all-around offensive game and the confidence in himself to back it up. He's a bit of a project player but the project will turn out to be quite rewarding. 

Alec Burks' Completeness

Question

What does Alec Burks need to do to become a complete player and can he do it?

Answer

The one knock on Alec Burks' game is the fact that he doesn't have a consistent long-range jump shot, which was quite clear from his 29 percent shooting from behind the three-point line. 

Burks has the size and all-around game to be a hit in the NBA. I've been calling him a sleeper ever since this past NBA season started and I still think that he's going to be great. 

If Jason Kidd can develop a three-point shot, so too can Burks. 

Jimmer in Utah

Question

After creating his legend at BYU, can Jimmer remain in Utah?

Answer

I know that Utah Jazz fans are pretty mixed in their feelings about Jimmer Fredette, but the NBA landscape really just wouldn't look right to me if the nation's reigning scoring champion didn't keep playing ball in the same state where he attended college. 

Fredette was a superstar and a definite household name while he played at BYU and the best thing for his popularity would be to remain nearby with the Jazz. 

By all accounts, it could happen. 

Jimmer: Bust or Success

Question

No player has garnered as much attention in this draft class as Jimmer Fredette. Will he be a star or a bust?

Answer

The answer to this question really depends on what your expectations are for him. 

In my opinion, Jimmer is a good enough shooter that he will always be a valuable member of a rotation. He's just going to have to learn that his role is simply to be a shooter and accept that if he's going to excel. 

Fredette isn't going to be able to be a volume shooter like he was for the Cougars and the days of holding the ball for 10 seconds at a time are gone. His game is going to have to adapt, just not his shot. 

I think he'll be a player who scores around 12 points per game and doesn't do much else.

He won't be a star, but he won't really be a bust either if you just manage your expectations.

Defender in the Lottery

Question

Can Chris Singleton, a defensive specialist, actually go in the lottery?

Answer

Yes, Chris Singleton could absolutely be a lottery pick. 

He's not exactly incompetent on the offensive side of the floor and his defense is unmatched in this draft class. 

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Houston Rockets select this Florida State Seminole with the last pick of the lottery.

The Ascent of Marshon Brooks

Question

Can Marshon Brooks rise into the lottery from the depths of the second round?

Answer

At the beginning of the NBA season, Marshon Brooks was projected to go in the middle of the second round. It was then that I first said I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up being the best player drafted in the 2011 NBA draft. 

Because of the fact that he's been on the rise ever since, he's become one of my favorite players. I wish him nothing but the best in the NBA. 

Now, Brooks has drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant and other great players. There's a chance that he rises all the way into the lottery, but I think he'll fall just short. 

New York Boo Birds

Question

Will local New York Knicks fans boo their team's pick in the first round yet again?

Answer

Amar'e Stoudemire is going to have to listen awfully hard for the sound of boos because they aren't going to be forthcoming this year. 

As I said earlier, I think that the Knicks will end up drafting Bismack Biyombo with the 17th pick of the first round. 

Biyombo fills a need at center and he's a very sexy pick. New York fans will be mostly happy with that selection. 

Jordan Hamilton's Athleticism

Question

Is Jordan Hamilton actually athletic enough to justify his draft position and make it in the NBA?

Answer

Quite simply, he is not. 

Hamilton was a great scorer at the college level, but playing in the NBA is a whole different story. 

He can shoot and drive well, but he's simply not athletic enough to get off the shots he did in college against the superior players of the sport's highest level. 

The former Longhorn may be successful, but he won't score nearly as often.

Longhorns 2.0

Question

Could Charlotte basically rebuild their team as a different version of the Texas Longhorns?

Answer

Charlotte has two picks in the first round. 

It is a distinct possibility that it selects Tristan Thompson with the first and Jordan Hamilton with the second. Interestingly enough, both of those players worked together at the University of Texas. 

The Bobcats already have one Longhorn on their roster in D.J. Augustin. 

If they select both Thompson and Hamilton, I will be writing a letter to David Stern requesting that he force a trade between the Thunder and the Bobcats that moves Kevin Durant to Charlotte. 

Kenneth Faried's Rebounding

Question

Is Kenneth Faried's rebounding alone enough to make him a success?

Answer

Faried was the most successful rebounder that college basketball had ever seen. This past season he passed Tim Duncan as the all-time rebounder in the history of the collegiate sport. 

If there is any skill that translates from one level to the next, it is rebounding. After all, the ball bounces off the rim in the same way regardless of who shoots it. 

Dennis Rodman once proved that it was possible to be a star while only rebounding the ball. Faried could very well follow in his footsteps. 

Trey Thompkins and the Importance of Mentality

Question

Will Trey Thompkins ever get his head screwed on straight?

Answer

I've suffered through a few years of watching Trey Thompkins not live up to his potential because of his tendency to disengage from the game's crucial moments. 

This continued into the draft combine when the power forward showed up with 15.5 percent body fat, the highest such number of all prospects. 

Unless he is drafted by a team with great veteran leadership, I don't know that Thompkins is ever going to develop into the player that he should be. He has all the skills necessary to be great but he doesn't seem to want to be.

Duke's Big Three

Question

Duke's Big Three of Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler will be taken eventually, but how many will go in the first round?

Answer

At the end of the first round, I think that two-thirds of the Blue Devils Big Three will still be left waiting to hear its name called. 

You can probably guess which two. 

The Rise of Iman Shumpert

Question

Can Iman Shumpert rise up into the first round or even higher?

Answer

Thanks to an incredible vertical jump, Iman Shumpert has...well, jumped past a lot of prospects on many teams' draft boards. 

The problem is, while Shumpert might have athleticism and quickness, he doesn't have any of the skills that a point guard really needs. 

His upside may push him into the first round, but I don't think we'll see him go any higher than the end of the round because he remains an unpolished prospect. 

Dallas at No. 26

Question

Will the Mavericks listen to Jason Terry and draft Isaiah Thomas in the first round?

Answer

My fellow NBA Featured Columnist Andy Bailey had the opportunity to talk to Jason Terry after the NBA Finals and this is what the very confident shooting guard had to say, in the words of Bailey:

"

When I began to ask Terry who he thought the team should take, he emphatically declared, "Isaiah Thomas" before I could even finish my question.

He went on to explain, "Jason Kidd is going to need someone to back him up...and Isaiah Thomas is a sleeper in this year's draft. He's a phenomenal player, a huge athlete. Even more than that, he's a floor general."

"

Honestly, I doubt that it will happen because the Mavericks still hope to keep both Kidd and J.J. Barea while Thomas is projected to go at the end of the second round or maybe even go undrafted entirely. 

Josh Selby's Chance

Question

Despite all the character issues, could a team really take a risk on Josh Selby in the first round?

Answer

I think there are too many red flags surrounding Selby for him to become a first-round pick. Carmelo Anthony wants the Knicks to take the Kansas guard at No. 17, but there are too many other safer options there. 

Selby has huge upside, but also has the potential to be a complete flameout. Teams will be willing to take a chance on him in the second round, just not the first. 

Same Thing for Jeremy Tyler

Question

Despite all the character issues, could a team really take a chance on Jeremy Tyler in the first round?

Answer

The same type of question gets the same type of answer. 

Quite simply, Tyler will go in the second round because of his perceived lack of maturity. The talent is there though. 

Foreign Prospects in the First Round

Question

Could we really see as many as six international prospects go in the first round?

Answer

We absolutely could. 

Jan Vesely and Jonas Valanciunas are virtual locks for the lottery. Bismack Biyombo and Donatas Motiejunas could be lottery picks but are locks for the first round. 

Then there's Davis Bertans, who only stayed in the draft because he was guaranteed to go in the first round. That leaves Nikola Mirotic, who I think will end up being a first-round selection as well. 

And, if you want to consider Enes Kanter a foreign prospect, that would make seven.

Point Guards in the First Round

Question

In a very guard-heavy class, how many point guards will find their way into the opening round?

Answer

Amazingly, we could see as many as 11 point guards taken in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft. 

There are five locks: Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette and Alec Burks. 

Then there are six players who could easily work their way up into the first round: Reggie Jackson, Josh Selby, Reggie Jackson, Norris Cole, Shelvin Mack and Iman Shumpert. 

While I doubt that all 11 are taken, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see it happen. 

First-Round Bust

Question

Which player will end up being the biggest bust of the first round?

Answer

In my opinion the biggest bust will be San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard. 

As I explained earlier, Leonard is good at everything and great at nothing. For a player that could be drafted as high as the top five, that worries me. 

Other candidates are Tristan Thompson, Jimmer Fredette and Bismack Biyombo. 

First-Round Steal

Question

Which player will end up being the biggest steal of the first round?

Answer

My first-round steal is going to have to be USC Trojan center Nikola Vucevic. 

A legitimate seven-footer, Vucevic was evaluated comparably to Enes Kanter and Kanter is going to go in the top five for sure. Vucevic on the other hand will have to wait until sometime in the 20s to hear his name called. 

When it's all said and done, Vucevic could end up being the best center in this draft class and he's going to be had for a bargain.

Heat at No. 31

Question

What will Miami end up doing at No. 31?

Answer

The Heat are pretty much set at shooting guard, small forward and power forward thanks to these guys you may have heard of named Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. I refuse to believe that Pat Riley is dumb enough to trade away any of them as a panicked reaction to one series. 

Miami needs to draft either a point guard or a center and I have a feeling that it is going to take Norris Cole, the talented scorer from Cleveland State.

Chandler Parsons' Future

Question

Can Chandler Parsons continue being a matchup nightmare in the NBA?

Answer

No, not at all. 

Parsons is another player who is good at everything but great at nothing. And unlike Kawhi Leonard, Parsons is only moderately good at everything. 

He's not going to find a role on any team unless he can drastically improve part of his game. I doubt that we'll remember him at all 10 years from now, other than to put him on the list of draft picks that didn't work out.

Jimmy Butler's Story

Question

Will Jimmy Butler become the feel-good story of this draft?

Answer

This is most definitely going to be the case. 

You can be sure that Jimmy Butler's rags-to-riches story will be talked about multiple times during the broadcast of the draft. 

Butler went from homeless teenager to NBA draft selection in just a matter of a few years, showing that hard work and dedication to your craft really does pay off. 

You won't be able to help but smile when you hear Butler's name called out.

Travis Leslie and Tony Allen

Question

Everyone has been wondering it since Travis Leslie made the bold statement at the draft combine: can the high-flyer actually be better than Jeremy Tyler?

Answer

As a Georgia Bulldog myself, I am required to say yes to this question. 

Jordan Williams' Decision To Leave

Question

Did Jordan Williams make the right decision by leaving Maryland?

Answer

I really think that Jordan Williams should have stayed for one more year. 

He's lost 20 pounds to prove that he's dedicated to the sport, but if he stayed and showed off his new lean frame as a Terrapin for another year, he could have improved his draft stock drastically. 

Williams had the potential to be a lottery pick, but his early exit from ACC play has left him as a second-round prospect.

Cory Joseph's Decision To Leave

Question

Did Cory Joseph make the right decision by leaving Texas?

Answer

Even though Cory Joseph is extremely raw and by no means ready for the NBA, he still made the right call leaving Austin, Texas behind. 

Behind Joseph next season would have been ridiculously talented incoming freshman Myck Kabongo. By the end of the season, Kabongo would have taken over the reins and there would be no way for Joseph to even be selected in the second round. 

It's a shame, but this was the best thing for the Longhorns point guard to do.

Keith Benson's Transition

Question

Can Keith Benson be successful making the transition from Oakland to the NBA?

Answer

Benson has the skills on both offense and defense to make an impact in the NBA, despite the general feeling among scouts that he was going up against very weak competition as a member of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. 

The center has legitimate size too at 6'11". I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he falls to the Atlanta Hawks at No. 48.

Raw Prospects in Round 2

Question

Which of the raw, high-upside prospects available in Round 2 will turn out to be the best player?

Answer

The choices are Jereme Richmond, Travis Leslie, Greg Smith, Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Greg Smith. 

Personally, I have to go with Smith, a power forward from Fresno State. At 6'9" and 253 pounds, Smith has more than enough size to play his position and the skills are coming. 

It doesn't hurt either that Smith's hands are so big (literally a foot wide) that he can snatch a basketball out of the air with one hand as if it was a tennis ball. 

While I think that all four could blossom, Smith is my pick to blossom the most and the fastest.

Second-Round Bust

Question

Who will wind up being the biggest bust of the second round?

Answer

I loved watching Jon Leuer play for the Wisconsin Badgers, but I don't think that his game is going to translate to the NBA, much to the chagrin of whichever team selects him in the early portion of the second round. 

Leuer doesn't rebound at all, which is quite problematic for a power forward, and he is rather devoid of strength. 

He can shoot and has a good range of offensive moves, but he's not going to be able to earn a spot on the floor.

Second-Round Steal

Question

Who will wind up being the biggest steal of the second round?

Answer

As disappointing as it may be, JaJuan Johnson is most likely going to slip to the second round of this year's draft, and I don't understand why. 

Whichever team snatches him up is going to have found the biggest draft-day gem of them all. 

Johnson averaged over 20 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior for the Purdue Boilermakers and was named an All-American. 

He has the size at 6'10" to play power forward. His offensive game is just as proficient from the outside as it is from the inside. 

Johnson needs to add some strength to his very slight frame, but that's the only real knock on him. 

Best Dressed

Question

Which prospect will end up taking home top fashion honors at the end of the night?

Answer

It's just a gut feeling, but something tells me that Kemba Walker will be taking home this prize. 

Rookie of the Year

Question

Who will end up taking Rookie of the Year honors in 2011-12?

Answer

As the most talented player in this year's draft class, the choice simply has to be Kyrie Irving. 

Irving is going to be drafted onto a team that needs a star. He will start immediately and have a chance to make a huge impact from the get-go. 

A score-first point guard with great passing skills, Irving has all the tools necessary to be great.

Dark Horse for Rookie of the Year

Question

Which player that isn't already a household name could become this class' Rookie of the Year?

Answer

Alec Burks is this guy for me. 

The Colorado shooting guard can also run the show at point and his 6'6" frame will give him a big height advantage over defenders. Burks can score in a variety of ways and should receive a good bit of playing time with the Bucks if Milwaukee drafts him at No. 10 as many, including me, expect them to do. 

He still needs to develop that jump shot, but Burks has a great all-around game and is ready to make the transition to the NBA.

Best Undrafted Player

Question

Which player won't be drafted but could make a big impact down the road?

Answer

Michigan State's point guard, Kalin Lucas, will not be drafted this season by all accounts, but he should be able to find his way onto a roster and contribute down the road. 

Lucas is a great leader and is also a pretty decent point guard. He'd be much more highly thought of if he stood any taller than 6'0".

All-Stars

Question

How many players from this year's draft will make an All-Star team?

Answer

When every player from this draft class has seen his career draw to a close, I think that six players will have made an All-Star team. 

Those players are, in no particular order, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Marshon Brooks, Brandon Knight, Marcus Morris and Alec Burks. Interestingly enough, they're almost all guards. 

Just for comparison's sake, let's take a look at the draft classes since the turn of the century:

2000: Three players (Kenyon Martin, Jamaal Magloire, Michael Redd)

2001: Seven players (Pau Gasol, Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas, Mehmet Okur)

2002: Four players (Yao Ming, Amar'e Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Carlos Boozer)

2003: Eight players (LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Kaman, David West, Josh Howard, Mo Williams)

2004: Three players (Dwight Howard, Devin Harris, Jameer Nelson)

2005: Four players (Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Danny Granger, David Lee)

2006: Two players (Brandon Roy, Rajon Rondo)

2007: Two players (Kevin Durant, Al Horford)

2008: Three players (Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love)

2009: One player (Blake Griffin)

2010: None

Obviously, there is still plenty of time for these numbers to be added, but you can tell that my prediction of six All-Stars is quite high. 

Which brings us to the final question...

Strength of Class

Question

All in all, is this really as weak a draft class as everyone seems to think?

Answer

No, it is not that weak at all. 

The draft is relatively empty when it comes to superstar talent at the top as many of the players projected to be taken in the first round are very much "boom or bust" players. However, from top to bottom, this draft is filled with talent. 

Usually, the second round is filled with many long shots, but this year, there seem to be a lot of potential contributors. 

It's all about managing expectations. We're going to see a lot of vital role players develop out of this class, just not many LeBrons or Kobes. 

But please don't compare 2011 to 2000. 

Got it?

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